Amol Academy, founded by Sant Gurmeet Singh in 2017 at Khosa village in Punjab’s Moga district, has transformed the lives of aspiring athletes by providing modern training facilities and promoting hard work through sports.
Jubilant cheers erupted at a rural sports academy in Khosa village of Punjab’s Moga district when two-time Asian champion Tajinderpal Singh Toor defended his gold medal at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou — a feat last achieved by an Indian shot putter 41 years ago, since Bahadur Singh Chouhan’s consecutive wins in 1978 and 1982.
Toor’s journey began at Amol Academy, established in 2017 by Sant Gurmeet Singh Khosa Kotla Wale, a social worker, environmentalist and Sikh spiritual leader. When Gurmeet Singh noticed the lack of playgrounds and training facilities in nearby villages, he decided to create one. Apart from Toor, the academy has nurtured several athletes of national and international repute.
“The concept behind this project is that sports instil the value of hard work, which has diminished in Punjab. Everyone now seeks sedentary jobs and avoids manual labour. Engaging in sports ensures that a person exercises,” Gurmeet Singh explained.
Spread over nine acres, the academy offers coaching in sports like baseball, football, volleyball, basketball, athletics and kabaddi. It features a 400m track, a shot-put ground, gym and other facilities. Athletes from the academy participate in district, state and national competitions — and beyond, like Toor. Since 2019, its athletes have won numerous medals and cash prizes.
The academy currently trains 50 children aged 14 years and above. Their board and lodging as well as training expenses are covered by Gurdwara Singh Shaheedan Sahib and funding from philanthropists and social activists.
The academy’s annual expenditure is around Rs 32 lakh, including medical care, sports kits, and two cooks to ensure timely meals.
Khosa village now stands out due to its sports academy, attracting children from surrounding areas who can’t afford training.
“We started this facility in rural Punjab because villages are full of talent. We are successful,” Gurmeet Singh said.
Also Read: Rural anonymity to IPL glory: 5 cricketers who made it
Local residents support this initiative as it keeps children away from drugs and on the right path.
“It surprises many that what began as a pilot project for our academy has now turned into a reality where dreams are coming true,” said Gurmeet Singh, attributing the success to community support. “Villagers helped us ensure we create players from Punjab. We also organise sports meets in nearby villages with their support.”
Satinder Singh, a 24-year-old national baseball player, reminisced: “The academy gave me everything I needed to become a player. I learned discipline and teamwork here. With the training from our coaches, I have achieved a place in the national team and play all over India.”
The academy’s competent coaches, Navtej Singh and Jaspreet Singh, play a crucial role. “Coaching at this academy has been a rewarding experience. Watching our players grow and succeed is truly gratifying,” said Navtej.
Jaspreet, who oversees the evening shift, said: “The academy has allowed me to share my passion for the game with a new generation of players. We focus on refining techniques and building teamwork, ensuring our players are well-rounded athletes ready to take on any challenge.”
Also Read: Rural youth pioneer water sports on Mahanadi
The academy also provides jobs to players. Harjeet Singh, a national softball player and Federation Cup gold medallist, now serves as the manager. “Being a part of this academy is more than just playing the game. It’s about giving back to the sport that has given me so much,” Harjeet said.
Recognising the importance of protein-rich nourishment for athletes, Gurmeet Singh recalled Toor’s early days at the academy when his diet expenses were steep. This led to the inception of an organic farming project with Punjab Agriculture University’s support.
They grow millet, maize, oats, sorghum, wheat and vegetables. The trainees offer a helping hand in the fields. “We are farming on 10 acres (of a vacant parcel belonging to the gurdwara). We believe in organic farming. Wholesome sources of nutrition like millets and green vegetables are provided to players from our fields,” Gurmeet Singh shared. The diet includes milk and dairy products, and fruits.
The deep connection between the academy and organic agriculture helps control food expenses, which come to Rs 24 lakh a year. “We have proper storage to store our produce,” Gurmeet Singh said.
“We have started many skill-based self-businesses, like nursery and waste management, providing employment with skill education through the academy,” Gurmeet Sigh added.
His dream has positively transformed many lives, showcasing a model that could be adopted across the country to build a new, conscious, and drug-free society.
Also Read: Water sports offer Kashmiri girls new career choices
The lead image on top shows players during a training session at Amol Academy in Khosa village of Moga district in Punjab. (Photo by Kiranjit Kaur Jhunir)
Kiranjit Kaur Jhunir is an independent journalist based in Punjab.
